Developers to Top Tower Height Record

Dubai developers say they are planning a building that will soar “a notch taller” than the world’s tallest building known as The Burj Khalifa.

Emaar Properties unveiled its plans for the new tower Sunday (April 10), underscoring the Middle Eastern city’s goal of becoming a global investment and tourism hub, according to the Wall Street Journal (subscription required).

Also located in Dubai, Burj Khalifa stretches 2,716 feet in the air—more than 160 stories.

While the developers have been mum on a final height for “The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour,” they have indicated the project will cost $1 billion to construct. Burj Khalifa, built in 2010, cost $1.5 billion to erect.

‘New Landmark’

Construction on the new skyscraper is set to begin at the end of June and be completed in 2020, in time for the World Expo, which Dubai is hosting, the developers said.

“We wanted to build a new landmark for Dubai,” said Emaar Properties Chairman Mohamed Alabbar at a press conference on Sunday. “When we look at Downtown and the Burj Khalifa, the area is almost full to the rim.”

Further described as a “gift to the city,” the new tower is designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, whose portfolio spans the globe and includes the recent World Trade Center Transportation Hub in New York City.

The tower will boast multiple observation decks and up to 20 mixed-use floors that will house restaurants and a boutique hotel, developers said.

The design will also utilize the most advanced technology and building materials, according to a promotional video describing the project.

Race to the Top

Dubai may have competition in the tallest tower department. Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Holding is building a tower in Jeddah that is projected to surpass Burj Khalifa.

The massive project, currently under construction, is planned to reach the height of 3,280 feet.

Still, both of those projects could be dwarfed if Iraq moves forward with its plans to erect a 3,780-foot-tall Bride of the Gulf project in Basra.